Description

This program simulates a realistic collision of a rotating rod with a frictionless floor (represented by the green block).

The initial conditions can be set by using the first six sliders. The sliders labeled x0 and y0 control the rod's initial x- and y-positions (associated with the center of the rod) with units of meters (m). Those labeled vx0 and vy0 control the rod's initial center-of-mass velocity in the x- and y-directions (units of m/s). Next, theta0 orients the rod according to the angle (in radians) formed with the horizontal. Lastly, omega0 sets the angular velocity of the rod, with units of radians/sec.

The alpha slider controls the elasticity of the impact. When alpha=0, the impact is maximally inelastic, meaning that the rod will lose as much kinetic energy as possible as it collides with the floor. When alpha=1, the impact is elastic, meaning that kinetic energy is perfectly conserved throughout the interaction.